Collision of warm, cold air has created powerful windstorms

During the early to mid fall, our region will usually see an increase in storms and wind. Colder air from the north will clash with the warmer air to the south to bring us these conditions.

At this time of year, our region can experience windstorms that down trees and power lines. The early spring and fall are a time of transition, or collisions, between the cold and warm air masses that will occasionally generate strong winds across the area.

On Oct. 12, 1962, the “mother of all wind storms” blew through the Western U.S. According to the National Weather Service, this was the top weather event for Washington in the 20th century. On that day, the strongest widespread nonhurricane windstorm hit from Northern California to British Columbia. It claimed 46 lives and blew down 15 billion board feet of timber totaling $750 million (in 1962 dollars). Property damage in the region was more than $235 million.

Wind gusts were incredible. Speeds to 150 mph were reported at Naselle, in the southwestern part of the state. Winds at Bellingham and Vancouver hit 92 mph. Renton, Wash., observed a 100 mph gust with a maximum wind of 116 mph at the Morrison Street Bridge in Portland. Tacoma had an 88 mph gust with an amazing 131 mph gust at Mount Hebo near McMinnville, Ore.

In Spokane, wind speeds on that date did not break a record. The top wind gust recorded at the airport was 77 mph on June 21, 2005. The previous record was 67 mph on Jan. 9, 1972.

On Oct. 16, 1991, strong winds combined with very dry conditions led to the “Spokane Area Urban Interface Wildfire.” Multiple fires were started by downed power lines and other sources. Two lives were lost and 100 homes were damaged or destroyed.

We haven’t seen too many windy days so far this fall. As a result, we had a glorious season for fall colors. But, people are now focusing on how much snow we’re going to see over the next few months.

As of early Tuesday, the chances are pretty good that we’ll see some snow in the lower elevations this weekend. Most ski resorts will likely open in December, but it’s possible that few resorts in North Idaho and Montana could open their mountains for skiing as early as Thanksgiving weekend.